~ The Global Biobusiness Forum

Monthly Archives: January 2014

In the UK, many of the world’s major corporations plug directly into the heart of global finance, professional services, creative and talent industries. They enjoy access to world-class science and academia and link into a wide network of smaller enterprises, many of which are also world leaders in their fields.

A unique multi-cultural and entrepreneurial economy, the UK is at the hub of international business, bringing the world too your doorstep. In short, it is the gateway to the globe. You too can be at the heart of this global crossroads. Start by talking to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the national government agency that offers free support and independent advice to foreign companies looking to invest or locate in the UK.

UKTI can advise you on how to set up a new business in the UK, expand an existing business, and choose the best route to the market success. UKTI can also provide further information in a range of areas such as market opportunities, local skills and expertise, industry clusters, universities, incentives and funding support.

Our investment location service are independent, highly professional and free of charge. For specific help setting up in the UK or for help mapping your business ambitions to the UK please write to UKTI India at uktiindia@fco.gov.uk .

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In spite of the falling rupee, rising inflation and tightening policy controlmeasuresimplanted by the RBI, the Indian market is still attractive to the foreign investors according to a report published by Ernst and Young. The report claims that the Indian markets are better suited for investments, than US and China.

The most lucrative sectors were automotive, technology and life sciences and consumer products. An industry expert was quoted saying that the investor outlook for India remains positive, despite challenges the country’s slowing economy has faced.

But many view the FDI with its good and bad side effects. The industry experts believe that FDI should be allowed but with regulations. Some even stress and say that “a drugs price is not decided by the multinational company but by the country’s policy.” Others site China’s example and press upon the need for FDI in the country.

The bad effects of having foreign direct investment in the pharma sector would mean a reduction in the supply of cancer vaccine and other active pharmaceutical ingredients. Also popular generic drugs which are cheaply produced by Indian pharma companies. These would be the result of foreign companies completely taking over the Indian companies. Foreign Investment anyways would imply looking for greater profits which would mean an increase in drug prices.

Indian companies always function with the objective of welfare motive and also follow the policies and adhere to the regulations laid down by the government. This often enables the production of many cheap drugs which are not only consumed in the Indian markets but also in other developing countries. Hence a large part of the drugs and vaccine produced by the Indian pharma sector is exported, which infers that the Indian pharma sector is not running into losses and is making profit, as there is a great demand for cheaply produced drugs and vaccines.

The responses are mixed. The FDI question has the negative and positive side. What the country embraces is yet to be seen and it will unfold in the next few months to come.